songwriter Forrest Kline adapts the sonic palette of those 1970’s disco groups like Chic
and The Pointer Sisters to interact with his perfectionist production style and timeless
pop song-craft. The record moves with a mature and tightly restrained momentum,
never too eager or hamming up the premise. Kline's melodies lay relaxed over the
four-on-the-floor beats and hypnotic bass runs, so universal they could fit nearly any
genre, but they feel most at home here.
The title track of S’Only Natural conjures up a celebratory vision of balloons falling from
the ceiling. Illuminated by sweeping disco strings, the song grooves forward with
unassuming confidence, like Meryl Streep sauntering back up to the podium to grab her
third Oscar of the night.
On another album standout “I’ll Keep On Following You,” Kline’s voice is
simultaneously soothing and urgent, and his words weave together with surprising
turns, all the while landing in such a comforting and familiar way. All over the record,
it's like Forrest is telling you something reassuring you’ve always heard, but didn’t
really believe until he said it. He’s talking you down after you just had the worst day at
work, exuding such self-assuredness and positivity that you have no choice but to accept
it as the truth.<br>